Police Chief Chat - Mark Reynolds / Kent King / Missing child

Police Chief Chat

Good morning! I hope you had a great week. My week was not so great. On Sunday I learned that my friend and fellow law enforcement officer Sgt. Mark Reynolds had passed away. Mark was a 17 year veteran of the Missouri State Highway Patrol and was very well known and respected here at the Rolla Police Department. Mark was always there to lend a hand whether it be in the wee hours of the morning assisting officers on a traffic stop, backing the patrol division on dangerous calls or just stopping by to see how things were going. Mark was a true professional and was a proud and dedicated law enforcement officer. We will miss him!

I also learned this week that Dr. Kent King had passed after a lengthy battle with cancer. Dr. King was the Commissioner of Education at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and also served as the Superintendent of Rolla Public Schools for 19 years. Dr. King devoted his entire career to the education of our youth and is remembered by all as a very kind and caring man. Dr. King was gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to accept the offer to be our guest speaker at our last D.A.R.E. graduation and it was quite a thrill for not only the students and faculty but also the guests of honor and parents to have him address the graduating class. Dr. King’s passing hits very close to home in that his daughter Traci is married to our own Lt. Doug James. Dr. King will be truly missed!

This week Telecommunications Supervisor Stayce Smith conducted a 40 hour Basic Communications Training session here at the Police Department for area telecommunicators. The course offered basic radio techniques and procedures, basic operational skill training in incoming calls for assistance, 9-1-1 calls, operator and criminal history inquiries and other police related inquiries. The class was attended by members of our communications division and members of the Missouri S&T Police Dept.

This week Dennis Noel our volunteers in Police Service Coordinator Is starting his presentations to civic groups on recruiting volunteers. He conducted his first presentation to the Optimist Club on Wednesday and will be continuing with other civic groups over the next several months. VIPs is a national program to get volunteers to work with the police department in assisting the department in duties that we just don’t have the time or manpower to do. If you want to make a difference and serve your community we can use your help in many areas. I believe that VIPS is a very important program to get the Police department and the citizens to join together in taking care of this community, we can not do it alone. The duties consist of making phone calls, answering phones, patrolling, following up on minor crimes and the list goes on. A person wanting to become a VIPS can contact Dennis Noel at 364-1213 to get more information, so join us and make a difference. In the near future Dennis will be going door to door contacting business’s just to say hi and to get to know what’s going on in the community, so that we can keep up with changes in the area. So please welcome him in your door so we can get to know each other.

I wanted to share just one of our many calls we go on and to thank those employees involved for an outstand job. (Thanks Sgt. Rapier, Telecommunicator Jamie Jones , Pto. LeAnn Robertson, Rolla City Fire, Phelps Ambulance, MSHP, S & T PD, Lt. Smith and the detectives!)The department had a call of a missing six year old from his back yard late one evening. Cpl. Adam Myer quickly organized who was doing what, got extra personnel there and made what turned out to be a valuable contact, in the neighbor who’s back yard is shared with the missing six year olds yard. Considering the bitter cold and fast approaching nightfall, time was obviously of the essence.

While officers were responding and searching communicator Trina Duarte searched for registered sex offenders in that area. She came up with an address for an offender that was in the very close proximity to where the neighbor told Cpl. Myer that he had seen Alex headed. After getting out of a field he was searching Cpl. Myer quickly responded to that address only to find it was no longer the residence of the offender….but coming down the stairs inside the house was a little boy….you guessed it….the missing child! He was visiting his friend that lived there…If you can believe that stroke of coincidence.

This was a great example of the resourcefulness on the part of everyone involved, they worked as a team and 30 minutes later Alex was thankfully returned to his mother safe and sound.

Great job everyone!

Chief Mark A. Kearse

Police Chief Chat - Veteran's Day / Friday Backpack Program

Good morning, I hope you had a great week and were able to attend at least one of the many Veteran’s Day programs held in an around Rolla in honor of those who have preserved our freedom by serving our country. The Rolla Junior High School, Mark Twain Elementary and Hickory Pit Barbecue all offered programs, luncheons and services to show appreciation for the sacrifices these great men and women endured in the name of freedom and support of our constitution.

We have several service related organizations in our area that offer support to our veterans in the way of social gatherings, fundraising events and memorial tributes and benefit information. These organizations such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, Disabled Association of Veterans and AMVETS provide a wide variety of services to benefit local heroes such as Bill Jenks, Dick Elgin, Bosco Eudaly, Neal Grannemann, Ed Schmidt, Les Burris, Bill Feeler, Michael Flowers, Neal Jocsing, Al Parsons, Jim Greig, Eddie Schwartz, Luke Kearse, John Mittendorf, Butch Fiebelman, Tom Pasley, Jim Fiscus, Bill Stoltz, Stan Spadoni, Ed Lorey, Forrest O’neal, Bill Wright and Fred Kruger. These and many others from our own community stood proud, pledged allegiance and did what they had to do to keep the rest of us safe in conflicts ranging from World War II, the Korean War, Viet Nam War and the War in Iraq! Thank you to all veterans past and present for what you have done and for what you are about to do to keep us safe!

Lieutenant Jason Smith and I had the opportunity to attend the International Police Chiefs Association annual conference held in San Diego, California this past week. The conference is designed to present Police Chief’s from all over the world with the latest in equipment demonstrations, tactics, management styles and philosophies to better serve their agencies. There are also break-out sessions featuring nationally recognized guest speakers who cover preventive measures in turnover rates, public opinion analysis and community policing advantages. . Other management sessions were presented from the nation’s top cops on how to win in situations that require use of force. The training began on Saturday, November 8 and ran through Wednesday November 12, 2008.

I learned from our own Behind the Badge organization that the local founder of the Friday Backpack Program, Faith Barnes with the assistance of the Christian Life Center has secured a $19,000.00 donation to assist in funding the backpack program. The program provides food items to children in need on Friday after school to ascertain that they will be nourished over the weekend to stimulate better study habits. Our Behind the Badge group assists Faith and others in filling the backpacks each week. The program now includes all 3 of the Rolla elementary schools and the Newburg elementary school and serves over 200 students. Way to go Faith and the CLC. Great job! And a special thanks to the donors. This is just one more example of how this community comes together in times of need.

In closing, I would like to congratulate Patrol Officer Josh Campbell and K-9 Ziggy for successfully completing 2 weeks of certification training in tracking, narcotic detection building and article searches and handler protection with the Dogwood Inn and Training Center in Jeffersonville, In. Officer Campbella and Ziggy trained side by side for during the 80 hour certification. Ziggy was partnered with Pto. Campbell after serving Senior Patrol Officer Adam Meyer. Great job Josh and Ziggy!

I hope you have a great week!

Police Chief Chat - Awards Banquet / Fight / Halloween Safety

Good morning! I hope you had a great week and a safe Halloween. We kicked off our “Project Halloween” campaign by assigning additional officers to patrol the traditional “hot spots” for trick-or-treaters around the city. The Patrol Division was supplemented by a host of Missouri S&T students who travel in groups in these same areas looking for unsafe activity, lost children and other dangerous situations, then report them to the patrol officers assigned to that area. Thank you to Missouri S&T for your support and continued assistance.

Our Behind the Badge group held a bake sale Thursday evening at the Wal-Mart Supercenter to raise money for charitable events and to sponsor our annual awards banquet which will be held this evening at the Havener Center. The bake sale raised over $300.00 in just 2 hours, which is remarkable considering all the other events going on at this time. Thank you to the ladies of the Behind the Badge organization for the time and effort to create some wonderful snacks and desserts and to Wal-Mart Supercenter for allowing us to hold the sale at the store.

Our annual awards banquet is an opportunity for our Rolla Police Family to get together and pay tribute to the members of our agency that went above and beyond what is considered the normal call to duty to protect our community and keep our citizens safe. My staff and I gather recommendations throughout the year from supervisors, other officers and citizens then award citations to officers and civilian personnel that qualify for the following awards: Medal of Honor, Legion of Honor, Combat Cross, Wounded in Combat, Gallantry Star, Gallantry Star, Grand Cordon, Meritorious Service, Life Saving, Samaritan, Queen’s Honor, Distinguished Volunteer Service, Exceptional Duty, Honorable Service, Civilian Service, Educational Achievement and the Letter of Recognition.

Typically, the bulk of the awards are from the Exceptional Duty, Honorable Service and Letters of Recognition, but on occasion the officers become involved in situations that warrant the more prestigious awards such as the Medal of Honor and Gallantry Star. It is very common to award several Life Saving Honors for the year for officers who have performed CPR and other life saving techniques to restore life in threatening situations.

On another note, I read a disturbing report that was submitted by Cpl. Harry Eckman regarding his response to a fight call in the 1200 block of Holloway St. on Wednesday afternoon. The call came in as several subjects involved in an altercation in that area. Investigation revealed that 2 male juveniles had received an invitation via cell phone, from 2 other male juveniles to meet them at the location and fight over a pre-existing disagreement. Allegedly, the 4 male juveniles arrived at the location where an argument ensued, that led to a pushing exchange then eventually the pushing escalated to a full blown brawl where at least 3 other male juveniles and an adult male became involved in the fracas. Overall, at least 2 male juveniles were hospitalized for their injuries and others sought individual treatment.

What concerns me is the willingness of the initial male juveniles to meet at some location to commit a serious crime. Secondly, the alleged involvement of an adult male, who is supposed to know better, but becomes active as a primary aggressor in the situation. The adult male was arrested for 2 counts of assault in the 1st degree and 9 counts of endangering the welfare of a juvenile. These are serious crimes and carry substantial punishment upon conviction. This situation is troubling in that it reminds me of a very similar situation where a Rolla youth was kicked and beaten at a local restaurant over a trivial matter that led to a permanent brain injury. Please realize this type of situation can get out of hand real quick and lead to serious injury or death to those involved and may also lead to substantial punishment to those responsible. Think before you act!

In closing, I would like to mention that our Law Enforcement Torch Run Trivia Night was tremendous fun and a great success. We were able to raise over $1500.00 for our Special Olympic athletes thanks to the support received from both the entering teams and our sponsors. Without you, we could not succeed. Special thanks to Administrative assistant Kerri Schultz, Lt. Doug James and S/Sgt. Rick Williams for their coordination efforts to make the evening a success. Thank you for helping us help the athletes!

Police Chief Chat - Trivia Night / Felons & Firearms

Good morning. I hope you had a great week and were able to get to the Rolla Crafts Festival. The weather was perfect and from I could gather the crowd was bigger than anticipated. This week we have a very busy Saturday as I mentioned in my last article, in that we have the bicycle and surplus property auction here at the Police Department that will begin at 9:00 am. Try to be here by 8:30 am to get registered as a buyer. There are over 75 bicycles and quite an assortment of surplus property that typically sell fairly quickly and fairly cheap, so don’t miss this opportunity to get a good deal.

Then on Saturday night, we will host our 8th Annual Law Enforcement Torch Run “Trivia Night” to benefit Special Olympics. This event will be held at the Rolla Elk’s Lodge where we will provide food and an available cash bar to the players. The 2007 winning team “Ground Chuck” will be returning and will have the distinct pleasure of being seated at the cherished “Head Table” will trying to defend their championship. Our team roster is full this year, but please keep us in mind in October 2009 to enter a team. We have a great time and it is for a great cause.

Since the beginning of the school year, we have received ongoing complaints from both citizens and school personnel of a large gathering of young people near the Rolla High School. The complaints were that several people in the group were smoking and leaving trash and cigarette butts on the ground. The group was comprised of both students and non-students who gather before and after school to smoke and in order to comply with the no-smoking on school property policy, were gathering on the sidewalks at the edge of the parking lot. My staff and School Resource Officer Sgt. Wayne Rapier met with school administrators and discussed the problem. My staff and Patrol Division then began patrolling the area and issuing tickets to anyone in violation of state law or city ordinances. So far, several students and some non-students have been cited and a an even larger number have been issued warnings. This operation will continue until the problem is alleviated.

The Missouri Legislature made significant changes to the law dealing with felons in possession of firearms, and Missouri law now more closely follows federal law. It is now a class C felony for any convicted felon to possess any firearm, including a handgun, rifle or shotgun. Missouri has not historically been so restrictive. The state’s prohibition had been limited to concealable weapons (such as handguns) and applied to only “dangerous” felons. A dangerous felon was an individual who plead guilty to , or was convicted of, only certain felonies. For this reason, most convicted felons could use a rifle or shotgun for hunting if they completed their probation or parole. Under Missouri law, a “conviction” includes a suspended execution of sentence (SES), but does not include a suspended imposition of sentence (SIS). Thus, if someone who pleads guilty and receives an SIS is not deemed a convicted felony for purposes of this law. Because the prohibition now includes rifles and shotguns, many felons who could lawfully hunt under Missouri law, may no longer do so. (Bows are not “firearms” and felons may continue to bow hunt.) As was the case before the 2008 change, a felon cannot obtain a concealable weapons permit under Missouri law. This includes felons receiving an SIS.

Next Friday, October 31, 2008 is Halloween and since the date falls on a Friday night, parents and children need to exercise caution when trick or treating. The significance of celebrating on Friday night will mean that since it is the beginning of the weekend, there may be more children on the streets that if it were a school night. In addition, there are sure to be Halloween parties that night and increased traffic to and from the parties. This combination of more children on the streets and increased traffic could lead to more accidents or injuries. Please remember the basic rules for children participating in Halloween.
Remember:
Parents should accompany their children and visit only homes of people you know.
Homes that are well lit should be chosen over those that are not.
Children should refrain from eating anything until inspected.
Costumes should be light in color and reflective tape should be used on them.
Costumes should have eye openings for good visibility and be properly fitted to prevent tripping.
Children should carry a flashlight and cross at marked intersections only.

And to the adults who plan to attend Halloween parties. Please remember that there will be parents and children along your route trick or treating. Pay close attention in neighborhoods especially at intersections and crosswalks. Do not drink and drive and if you do drink, use the buddy system, call a cab or have a sober friend drive you, but do not drink and drive.

In closing, last Saturday, Patrolman Jose Rodriquez was injured while riding an ATV and was air-lifted to St. Louis for treatment. I am happy to announce that although he will be on light duty for a while, Jose will fully recover and be returned to full duty.

Police Chief Chat - Scams / Crimes against the Elderly / Fatality Accident

Good morning! I hope you had a great week. The Fall season brings us cooler weather, shorter days and busy schedules. This past week Lt. Jim Macormic and S/Sgt. Rick Williams travelled to Springfield, Missouri to attend the annual Missouri Intergovernmental Risk Management Association (MIRMA) Seminar entitled “Bricks and Mortar: Laying the Foundation for Litigation Defense”. The sessions were hosted by retired Assistant Police Chief Steve Ijames. Mr. Ijames is a 29 year veteran of the Springfield Police Department and has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master’s Degree in Public Administration. Mr. Ijames is considered an expert in less lethal force devices such as impact projectiles, chemical munitions, noise flash diversionary devices and Taser) devices. Information was provided on management, policy writing, training and practices governing these tools. The Rolla Police Department currently utilizes several less lethal devices designed to help prevent serious or fatal injuries to suspects that we try to apprehend in criminal activity. The class talked about the taser, stating that it is one of best tools to come out in a long time for Law Enforcement. They showed several videos where four and five officers could not control a suspect because of his level of intoxication or drugged condition, but with the taser the officers could subdue the suspect.

On Wednesday, October 8, 2008, Detective Robert Jones of the Division of Criminal Investigations received information from the Division of Child Services concerning an ad that was placed in the Rollanet Classified section of person(s) unknown offering a baby boy to a good home. Det. Jones reviewed the ad then opened an investigation that involved the Phelps County Sheriff’s Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Springfield Police Department and the Division of Child Services. Investigation revealed that the ad was a hoax that had originated in south Africa. We receive several complaints each week on a wide variety of internet based scams or false amber alerts that people in the community have received. Several of these scams have been investigated and the perpetrator’s identified but there are still many others still active. Typically if an offer seems to good to be true, it is a scam. Be wary of people offering services or goods for little or nothing, or organizations requesting personal information so they can forward large amounts of cash. These types of scams are the most frequent and in spite of the obvious signs that this is a hoax, people still fall prey to them. If you are concerned of an offer or service that appears suspect it is better to be safe than sorry and to go with a business or service you are familiar with.

Did you know that most crimes committed against the elderly are "transient crimes," meaning that many involve home repairs or diversions where a person requests to come into the home to use the bathroom or ask for a glass of water? Another such crime committed against the elderly is to "check out" an unreported problem. Your elderly parents need your help to protect themselves. They forget because of their age all the important safety tips they taught you as a child. Now it is your turn to help your elderly parents who are particularly vulnerable to be a victim of transient crimes.
Your parents may be eager to socialize with strangers because they do not get out and socialize like they once did, remind them not to speak to strangers. I would also suggest to tell them not to talk to by anything from someone who knocks on their door or sells anything over the phone. Call or stop in to see your parents more often to give them company. If this is not possible ask a neighbor to stop in once a day just to check on your parents. Because your parents are eager to please and be helpful, they is particularly prone to allowing anyone into the house to check out an undisclosed problem, use the telephone or get a glass of water. Tell your parents that unless they have called someone for a repair, not to open the door. Explain that since they are elderly, once inside the home, a person can easily intimidate and influence them. Pride is another issue with elderly parents. Because they know they can't make needed repairs and fears losing independence, they may think that family members will believe that they are unable to maintain their home. This makes them prone to the transient scam of driveway, roof and other home repairs. Ask neighbors to contact the police immediately if they see something like this happening. Warn your parents not to sign anything. When confronted by someone who wants them to sign a bogus check or contract, tell your parent to say, "I have to ask my son first." If the person trying to get the check signed or contract is in a hurry, point out to your parents that this would be a perfect sign that this is a scam.

If you live out of town, ask a trusted neighbor to check on your parents once a day and to keep watch of who stops at the house. Offer to pay this neighbor and give them your home, work and cell phone number. This will connect you with your elderly parents in the event of a scam emergency.

Many criminals know exactly when government checks arrive each month, and may pick that day to attack. Avoid this by using Direct Deposit, which sends your money directly from the government to the bank of your choice. And, at many banks, free checking accounts are available to senior citizens. Your bank has all the information. Never withdraw money from your bank accounts for anyone except YOURSELF. Be wary of con artists and get-rich schemes that probably are too-good-to-be- true. You should store valuables in a Safe Deposit Box. Never give your money to someone who calls on you, identifying himself as a bank official. A bank will never ask you to remove your money. If you have been swindled or conned, report the crime to the Rolla Police Department or your local police.

From our Communications Division I would like to welcome Jerrie Thomen who has accepted a position as telecommunicator. Ms. Thomen comes to us from lengthy career in emergency service dispatch in the St. Louis County area. Jerri was employed as a dispatcher with the South County Fire Alarm Company in St. Louis, Missouri where her duties included handling emergency calls and dispatching appropriate emergency responders for 11 different fire districts in St. Louis, County. Jerrie enrolled in the St. Louis County Police Academy where she attended classes to become a certified police officer and served as a reserve officer with the Kirkwood, Missouri Police Department. Jerrie’s hobbies include attending dog shows where she shows her American Bouvier breed dogs. Welcome aboard Jerri!

A sad event occurred last night, I received a call at about 1:00 am that there was a fatality accident on Forum drive by the Rolla Public School bus barn. The vehicle drove off the right side of the road through the grass and over a ditch, one occupant was dead at the scene and the other was flown to a hospital in Columbia in critical condition. This is always a sad occurrence that effects so many, both were Missouri S & T students, we are still investigating the accident, next of kin have been notified.

When we judge or criticize another person, it says nothing about that person; it merely says something about our own need to be critical

Thank you and make it a wonderful weekend.

Police Chief Chat - October 3, 2008

Good morning, it’s been a beautiful week and I hope it stays that way because on Saturday October 25th, 2008 you all are invited to a bicycle and surplus property auction held at the Rolla Police Department located at 1007 North Elm Street starting at 9:00AM. Items included in this auction will be approximately 90 bicycles of all sizes from children’s to adults and a variety of other miscellaneous items. Things usually go for a pretty fair price, so if you need a bicycle here’s the place to get one. The bidding will begin at 9:00 AM. Interested buyers should be at the Rolla Police Department by 8:30AM to obtain a bidding card (must show photo i.d.).

The Rolla Police Department, has received a grant for $14,150.00 from the Missouri Department of Transportation Highway Safety Division to fund overtime projects targeting speed violations by motorists during the 2009 fiscal year. The grant money includes the purchase of several new radar units for patrol cars to effectively enforce the local speed limits.

At the Rolla Police Department, we take traffic safety very seriously and as of late, this has become a major concern of our citizens based on the amount of citizen complaints we have received. Our intent and goal is to identify and take enforcement action against drivers on our roadways that are posing a hazard to the other motorists and pedestrians in the area. Excessive speed is a factor in many motor vehicle accidents that are investigated in Rolla. Besides impairment, speeding is the most preventable driving action motorists can do to avoid accidents. We want to enforce our speed laws by using all available tools at our disposal, this includes using radar units.

Excessive speed remains a major factor in car crashes in Missouri. In 2006, there were a total of 87,708 traffic crashes reported in Missouri. Of those, 1,590 involved excessive speed playing a contributing role in having caused the crash. Of those 1,590 crashes, 98 people in Missouri were killed. Enforcement efforts like this one help to make travel in Rolla and other areas of Missouri safer. Any questions about this activity can be directed to our traffic supervisor CPL Harry Eckman at the Rolla Police Department at 573-364-1213.

When a 911 line rings, dispatchers have to be prepared for whatever the emergency is on the other line. Here is a brief sample of the responses our dispatchers have heard this past week when we asked that magic question …. “911 What is your emergency?” . “ My girlfriend is not breathing.” “My son’s overdosed and is not breathing.” “ There is a truck rolled over on the interstate” “Some guy tried to run over me.” “I am locked out of my apartment and my 1 year old child is inside.” “ I need help. I have been stealing my mother’s medication.” “There is a strong smell of propane in the area.” “ My neighbor’s stereo is shaking the walls.” “Someone threatened me with a gun.” “There is a man and woman in the street screaming and throwing things.” “There are 2 little kids playing out in the parking lot with no parents around.” “There is a car on fire by St. Patrick’s Church” “Someone busted my mail box” “I think I am having a heart attack” “Someone stole my medication.” “There is a strange truck parked in front of my house.” “My friend got attacked.” “ There is someone looking in cars.” “There are a bunch of sheep near the highway.” “There is a raccoon in my yard acting strange.” “This truck almost ran me off the road.” “There is a woman outside yelling and screaming.” “There is a 2 year old having a seizure.” “Someone is trying to break into my apartment.” Whatever the problem, be it emergency or non-emergency, dispatchers must always be ready to assist our callers. We are blessed to have a very capable and conscientious crew in our communications center and I want to commend them for being the unsung heroes behind the scene of every emergency. Thank you, you are appreciated.


911 Telecommunicators are often the unsung heroes working diligently behind the scenes of any emergency to ensure that everything runs smoothly. The telecommunicators at the Rolla Police Department answer 911 lines for the entire county along with non-emergency lines for Rolla Police, St. James Police Department and the Phelps County Sherriff’s Department. We dispatch for 14 agencies including 5 law enforcement agencies, 7 fire departments and 2 ambulance companies. To put that in perspective…. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, dispatchers coordinate response to nearly every single emergency in Phelps County. They are responsible for the safety of the men and women we dispatch for, our 39,000 citizens and all of the people who travel through our 674 square miles every day.


The Rolla Police Department would like to thank Janessa Martin. Janessa is a former telecommunicator and is currently a Rolla Police Explorer. She was gracious enough to come back and help out in the Communications Division this summer. Our 911 center has been 3 dispatchers short and Janessa worked part-time to help us cover shifts over the summer. We really appreciated having her back in the Communications Center. She enabled us to allow dispatchers to take some much needed time off this summer with their families without leaving the division too short handed. Janessa is expecting her first child later this month. Though we will miss her at the Rolla Police Department, we are excited for her and her husband Josh Martin. We wish them the very best.

Communications Supervisor Stacey Smith and Telecommunicator Amanda Rogers attended the Russell House Volunteer Training earlier this week. We try to speak to all Russell House volunteers to help give them an idea of how the 911 system works and what will happen when officers arrive on the scene of a domestic call. Unfortunately, domestic violence is a very prevalent problem in our society. We value the role that the Russell House provides in our community by providing resources and a safe haven to victims of abuse.

I just thought this might be of interest to some of you to know that the Probation and Parole office here in Rolla which is the District 11 Office routinely supervises 1,800 plus clients for the five county areas of Phelps, Pulaski, Maries, Dent and Crawford. The Phelps County area accounts for 801 clients supervised at all levels, 32 of which are supervised on the Sex Offender Case Load. That’s almost a thousand people in Phelps county that are on probation or parole for some type of crime. I’m sure it’s a hard job supervising that many people, it’s hard to believe we have that many that are being supervised on law violations such as murder, rape, child molestations, burglary and the list goes on. My hat goes off to P & P for the job they do.

The Department has just received some free publications from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children thanks to Telecomunicator supervisor Stacey Smith. Most of the publications are geared towards citizens but there are some additional ones for law enforcement, there is a Law Enforcement Guide to Case Investigation and Program Management to assist the officers. Here is a list of some of the citizen publications, if you need any of these stop by and get a copy. Child Protection, Just in Case - Choosing Daycare, Just in Case - Family Separation, Just in Case - Federal Parent Locator Service, Exploited Children Service, Know the Rules - Door to Door Solicitation, Just in Case - Child Care Provider, Preventing Sexual Exploitation, Know the Rules - After School Safety, Just in Case – Runaway, Child Victim Identification Program, Keeping Kids Safer on the Internet, Just in Case Sexual Exploitation, New Neighborhood Safety Tips, Just in Case- Finding Professional Help, Know the Rules - Abduction and kidnapping and several other similar topics.

Everyday we should try to help someone who can’t reciprocate our kindness. Thank you and have a great week.